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September 28 - October 6, 2024
9 Days, 8 Nights Southern Italy
My Dear Flavor Seekers,
This journey is not just a tour; it's a dream realized. I have poured my heart and soul into every step of creating this flavor-seeking adventure. From meticulously selecting the towns and regions we'll explore to crafting the perfect itinerary, I have left no stone unturned. And to give you a taste of the authenticity of this experience, I've recently returned from the very towns and regions we'll be visiting, ensuring that we will be immersed in the heart and soul of Tuscan and Umbrian cuisine & wine.
As we set forth on this unforgettable voyage, you will discover that our gathering and journey are filled with more than just culinary delights. We'll explore the enchanting beauty of Tuscany and Umbria, experiencing the local culture and savoring the finest wines. Every day will be a sensory feast, a celebration of life's most cherished pleasures. What sets this journey apart is the personal touch I'm bringing to every moment. During our adventure, when a meal is not included in the itinerary, you are more than welcome to join me. We will break bread, share stories, and forge lifelong friendships. Because, in the world of food, there's no greater joy than enjoying a meal in good company.
I've never been more ready to show you why I live to cook and cook to live. This culinary tour is more than just a trip; it's a shared dream and a profound connection to the heart of Italy. I invite you to join me and become a part of this unforgettable adventure. Let's create memories, savor flavors, and celebrate life in Tuscany and Umbria.
If you're ready to embark on this incredible journey, please fill out a Booking Form or contact me directly at IL MITO so that I can direct you to my friends at Travel Leaders so that you can secure your spot.
Together, we'll explore, savor, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
With immense excitement and anticipation,
Your personal Chef Michael Feker
ITINERARY
Day 1: September 28 - PIENZA Arrival day. Arrangements can be made to pick you up in either Rome or Florence and transfer you to Pienza, your home for the next 8 nights. (cost extra) Check in to your home away from home, Hotel San Gregorio, in the historical center of Pienza, where you will have the chance to enjoy the amazing landscape of Tuscany. This day is dedicated to relaxation and free time. Welcome dinner included this evening.
Day 2: September 29 - PIENZA, MONTALCINO After breakfast at your hotel, guided visit of the City of Pienza, a unique example of Medieval Perfection in Architecture, put inside the amazing setting of Valdorcia, a UNESCO CULTURAL SITE since 2004. Lunch on your own and free time. In the early afternoon, transfer to the homeland of the Brunello wine: Montalcino! Winery visit and tasting. At the end, return to Pienza. Special dinner all together in a local restaurant.
Day 3: September 30 - MONTEPULCIANO After breakfast, meet your bus driver at your hotel and depart together. The morning will be dedicated to a special "wine lesson" with an official sommelier! Let's discover the secrets of the tasting art with an expert, immersing into the beautiful world of colors and scents. After this wonderful experience, you are free for lunch on your own. In the afternoon, enjoy a private guided tour of THE PEARL OF 16TH CENTURY and THE HOMELAND OF VINO NOBILE, Montepulciano, an amazing and fascinating Medieval Hilltown. The best part of the tour will be getting lost in the narrow streets, where you will find amazing handmade works, and underground cellars, where all the secrets of winemaking production will be revealed. Dinner on your own. You are more than welcome to join Chef Feker for dinner.
Day 4: October 1 - SIENA, CHIANTI SHIRE After breakfast, pick up at your hotel and depart to Siena, where you will have a guided visit of the historical city center with a professional guide. Let's get involved in the magical atmosphere of the Medieval Age, that in Siena is still celebrated by the important event of “Palio", a horse riding competition that involves the 17 quartiers of the city twice a year. Free time to explore and find that perfect spot for lunch. In the afternoon, transfer to the Chianti region for a wine tasting in one of the local wineries that produce the famous Chianti Red wine. Return to Pienza. Dinner on your own. You are more than welcome to join Chef Feker for dinner.
Day 5: October 2 - SAN GIMIGNANO After breakfast, depart to San Gimignano. Known as the city of “100 Towers", San Gimignano is one of the most important Medieval Towns in Tuscany. Visit the city with a professional guide. Tuscan Light Lunch with tasting in one of the wineries producing Vernaccia, the unique original white grape produced in Tuscany. At the end, return to your hotel. Dinner on your own. You are more than welcome to join Chef Feker for dinner.
Day 6: October 3 - FULL DAY VISIT to FLORENCE After breakfast, pick up at your hotel to travel to Florence. In Florence, meet with your professional guide to start your guided walking tour of the historical center of Florence: Piazza del Duomo with the Battistero, Piazza della Repubblica, the quartier of Santa Croce, the San Lorenzo market, Palazzo della Signoria (all the visits are from outside). These are only some of the beautiful monuments you will have the possibility of discovering while taking a walk in the “City of the Medici Family". At the end of the tour, enjoy free time to explore the vibrant atmosphere of Florence and to visit the amazing“ Mercato Centrale", where you willfind a fantastic selection of the best Italian recipes. Only for real foodies. Lunch and dinner on your own. You are more than welcome to join Chef Feker for dinner.
Day 7: October 4 - CORTONA & CASTIGLION DEL LAGO After breakfast, depart from your hotel to transfer to the historical center of Cortona to view the medieval architecture of the city. Visit a winery in Cortona and enjoy a light lunch with wine tasting. After lunch, transfer to Castiglion del Lago where you will meet with your professional guide to start your guided walking visit of the frescos in Palazzo della Corgna and in the Rocca Medievale. After a full day, dinner on your own in Castiglion. You are more than welcome to join Chef Feker for dinner
Day 8: October 5 - ORVIETO & CIVITA DI BAGNO REGIO After breakfast, depart from your hotel. Transfer to Orvieto to visit the impressive historical center. Meet with your professional guide to start the guided walking tour. Lots of options for lunch as you have free time before we return to Pienza. In the afternoon, transfer to Civita di Bagno Regio, “the city that is dying", an example of amazing architecture that is struggling with natural erosion. At the end of the day, transfer back to the hotel in Pienza to enjoy a special farewell dinner.
Day 9: October 6 - FLORENCE/ROME - FLIGHT BACK TO UNITED STATES Breakfast at your hotel then transfer to the airport in time to take your flight back home. Arrangements can be made for transfers to Rome, Florence etc. (cost extra)
Cost:
$3,195 per person, double occupancy
$500 single supplement
Inclusions:
• Chef Michael Feker as your culinary/wine expert guide
• Travel Leaders escort
• Accommodations at Hotel San Gregorio in Pienza, Tuscany Italy for 8 nights
• Breakfast daily
• Guided visits daily per itinerary
• 1 wine/oil tasting IN Montepulciano, 1 wine tasting with light lunch in San Gimignano, 1 wine tasting in Chianti, 1 wine tasting in Montalcino, 1 wine tasting with light lunch. in Cortona
• 1 Wine tasting lesson
• 3 dinners
• Audioguides daily
• Tour guides daily plus local assistance by Stilviaggi Tuscany
Not Included:
• Airfares
• Arrival and Departure Transfers
• Insurance
• Gratuities
• Drinks at included meals (unless specified)
Ready to Book? You MUST fill out a Booking Form to hold your place in line.
TERMS & CONDITIONS
Payment Schedule:
• $600.00 per person deposit due at time of booking
▪ $300.00 non-refundable
▪ $300.00 refundable if canceled by 6/7/24
• Balance due 7/19/24
▪ $2,595.00 per person double occupancy
▪ $3,095.00 per person single occupancy
Cancellation Policy:
• Prior to 8/31/24 - 50% penalty for each cancellation
• Prior to 9/15/24 - 75% penalty for each cancellation
• 9/16/24 and beyond - 100% penalty for each cancellation
Special Notes:
• Price per person is based on 30 passengers. If the number of passengers drops below 30, then the price will increase up to $300 per person
• Price may be adjusted if the conversion rate between US Dollar and Euro declines more than 5%
• We reserve the right to adjust the itinerary if needed for unforeseen circumstances
Responsibility Disclosure:
The Culinary Tour is being coordinated and operated by Stilviaggi Tuscany. Please note that while Travel Leaders seeks to ensure you have a positive travel experience, Travel Leaders does not own or operate, and cannot guarantee the services to be provided. All bookings are subject to the terms and conditions and limitations of liability imposed by Stilviaggi Tuscany